It’s one thing to have a long career, it’s another to remain relevant for decades by releasing fresh music. Not every artist can boast this ability. Find below three genre-bending, legendary artists who have avoided going out of style despite being active for decades.
Videos by American Songwriter
Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney has long been a legendary artist who took risks. Even prior to forging a solo career, McCartney was finding ways to be ahead of the curve (even if his audience wasn’t quite ready for it). You can hear his music shift throughout the decades, from his bluesy roots to ’80s disco-tinged tracks. More recently, the legendary artist has hopped into the studio with a slew of younger artists that one wouldn’t immediately think of as potential collaborators for the former Beatle. This has kept McCartney in the music mainstream for yet another decade.
The kiss of Venus has got me on the go
She scored a bullseye in the early morning glow
Early morning glow
Packed with illusions, our world is turned around
This golden circle has a most harmonic sound
Harmonic sound
Elton John
Elton John is another legendary act that has made use of collaborating with younger artists. Though his duets have tended to cater to John’s sound, there is a modern flare to them that can’t be denied. Flashing back to decades prior, John’s music has gone through multiple evolutions. His ’70s stuff is less flashy than his ’80s material and his work in the ’90s saw him take on new prospects (i.e. movie soundtracks). John has rolled with the punches that time has delivered. There is a reason he is one of the longest touring artists of all time.
Don’t you know, I’m still standin’ better than I ever did?
Lookin’ like a true survivor, feelin’ like a little kid
And I’m still standin’ after all this time
Pickin’ up the pieces of my life without you on my mind
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton has made waves in several genres over her legendary artist tenure. From country hits to collaborations with pop artists to rock albums, Parton has proved herself to be quite the chameleon. Parton remains relevant for many reasons, but her commitment to pushing the envelope with her music is a major contributing factor.
After school I know the rules, do my chores in a hurry
My radio, my records wait inside my sanctuary
A teenage dreamer, dreaming one day I could be a star
I close my door, turn on my amp, and plug in my guitar
I’m a rockstar
They say if you can dream it, you can have it so I play
(Photo by Bruce Glikas/Getty Images)
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